Merchandise packaging device

ABSTRACT

A merchandise packaging device is provided for transport and display of articles of merchandise such as automobile floor mats. The packaging device comprises a sheet of paper board configured to be folded over a marginal edge portion of a floor mat and which is then secured thereto as by staples. The paper board configuration is such that, when folded, the portion adjacent to the fold forms a relatively rigid and strong spine to enable the device to support the weight of a floor mat. In addition, the portion adjacent the fold defines a handle for carrying and a notch defining a hanger hook, facilitating engagement with a supporting bar and suspension of the device therefrom.

[ Get. 15, 1974 MERCHANDISE PACKAGING DEVICE Inventors: Charles A. Wells, Coshocton, Ohio;

Robert A. ONeil; Michael C. Wilson, both of Wheaton, 11].

Pretty Products, 1nc., Coshocton, Ohio Filed: Dec. 21, 1972 Appl. N0.: 317,185

Assignee:

11.8. CI 206/49l, 206/527, 206/806, 223/87, 229/54 R Int. Cl... B65d 33/14, B65d 75/00, B65d 85/00 Field of Search 206/79, 46 AP, 7 R; 229/52 B, 54 R; 223/87 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1959 Gouner 223/87 10/1963 Lemon 229/52 B Gelles 229/54 R Collara 206/46 AP Primary ExaminerWilliam T. Dixson, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmMahoney, Miller & Stebens 5 7 ABSTRACT A merchandise packaging device is provided for transport and display of articles of merchandise such as automobile floor mats. The packaging device comprises a sheet of paper board configured to be folded over a marginal edge portion of a floor mat and which is then secured thereto as by staples. The paper board configuration is such that, when folded, the portion adjacent to the fold forms a relatively rigid and strong spine to enable the device to support the weight of a floor mat. 1n addition, the portion adjacent the fold defines a handle for carrying and a notch defining a hanger hook, facilitating engagement with a supporting bar and suspension of the device therefrom.

12 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDUBI 1 5x914 SHEET 1 OF 6 FIG] ATENIEU our 1 51914 SHEET 3 0F 6 Pmmmw 1 m 3.841 1.418

SHEEI R (If 6 ramme PATENTED BET SHEET 6 OF 6 MERCHANDISE PACKAGING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Packaging of articles such as sutomobile floor mats has generally consisted of folding or rolling a mat into a tubular configuration and then placing the mat into an elongated cardboard box of rectangular crosssection. The cardboard boxes are opaque and fully conceal the contents, necessitating effective labeling, along with display samples to permit customers to view the actual article and assure that the desired color and style are being selected and obtained. An adequate stock of the several styles and colors of mats available under a particular brand must be maintained in the display area of a store, and this usually results in stacking of the numerous boxlike containers on suitable shelving in multiple layers. Another merchandise display technique utilized is merely stacking a number of mats into a stack without packaging of any type other than identifying labels.

Neither of these merchandising techniques has been found fully satisfactory. Each results in disarrangement of the display as customers make their selections, as it is necessary to inspect the individual boxes or exposed mats. A consequence of this is that substantial time must be spent in orderly arranging the display or stock at intervals. A further disadvantage of the box-type packaging is that a considerable amount of space is wasted since the boxes cannot conform to the configuration of the rolled mats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The merchandise packaging device of this invention provides a novel approach toward display and stocking of articles of merchandise, such as sutomobile floor mats. A packaging device of the invention is securely attachable to a mat which is maintained in a substantially flat configuration for both transport and display. Configuring a paper board blank for folding in a predetermined manner to form superimposed and coextensive portions interconnected by a rigid and strong spine results in a device that is readily secured to a mat by staples driven through the superimposed portions and a marginal edge portion of the mat. The blank is configured to produce multiple folds in the spine region that result in substantial reinforcement and greater strength to support the relatively heavy floor mats.

Configuring the paper board blank in accordance with this invention also forms a hanger hook in the portion adjacent the spine when the blank is folded. This permits the mats to be suspended from a hanger bar for more advantageous display to retail customers. In addition, the resultant flat-package configuration requires substantially less space than the prior art box configuration, thereby enabling a relatively greater number of mats to be displayed or stocked in the same size sales area. Formation of a handle in the package device facilitates handling by the customer either while making a selection from the display or ultimately carrying a purchase. While the mats are suspended from a hanger bar in a display. a customer may readily swing a desired mat from the display group for better viewing without removal from the hanger bar. After selection and upon purchase. the customer may easily carry the mat by means of the handle.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise packaging device embodying this invention applied to an article of merchandise and suspended from a support.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the merchandise packaging device applied to an article of merchandise.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a paper board bank configured to form the packaging device.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are sequential illustrations of the folding of the paper board blank in forming the packaging device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modification of the merchandise packaging device.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a paper board blank configured to form the packaging device of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS An illustrative embodiment of a merchandise packaging device 10 constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In FIG. 1, the device 10 is shown as it is advantageously utilized in packaging of a typical floor mat M and being suspended from a hanger bar B. Floor mats for automobiles, the type of mat contemplated to be packaged by devices of this invention, are of various dimensions and weights. In this illustrative example, an elongated mat M is folded upon itself to reduce total length while producing a relatively flat configured article for packaging.

The hanger B is only partially illustrated, and it will be understood that this bar is of a particular length with appropriate supports (not shown) provided at the ends thereof. or other points, to structurally support a number of packaged mats at a desired height. The supports and bar B do not form a part of this invention and are not further illustrated or described. FIGS. 2 and 3 do not illustrate the package device in conjunction with the hanger bar.

A merchandise packaging device 10 embodying this invention is preferably fabricated from a sheet-form material such as paper board of suitable thickness necessary to develop the required structural strength and rigidity. Although not specifically illustrated as such, the paper board may be of a conventional built-up construction commonly known as corrugated". Other suitable materials may be utilized in fabrication of the packaging devices with due consideration to strength and commercial economics.

In accordance with this invention, a sheet of paper board is formed with a particular configuration comprising two side portions 11 of identical shape. These two side portions are interconnected by a spine plate 12 for a portion of their length. Thus interconnected, the two side portions 11 are placed in superimposed relationship and spaced apart a distance of the order of the width of the spine plate 12, which is also substantially the same dimensionally as the thickness of the mat M. For aesthetic reasons, the particular configuration selected is that simulative of an automobile vehicle having spaced front and rear wheels 13 and 14. Securance of a mat M to the device is conveniently effected by means of staples S driven through the two side portions 11 at what is essentially the center of the wheels 13 and 14, thereby simulating the axles. These staples S are formed from relatively soft, metallic wire of small dimension and do not adversely affect the mat in that the resultant perforations in the mat are effectively self-sealed due to the resilient characteristics of the mat material. While staples of this nature are entirely suitable for automobile floor mats, other suitable and appropriate fastening means may be utilized for other articles of merchandise.

A hanger hook 15 is provided by integrally forming a notch 16 in each respective side portion 11 in coextensive relationship. Each notch 16 is formed in the respective side portion 11 adjacent the edge opposite from the wheels 13 and M at substantially the mid point therebetween. The notches open toward a lateral side opposite the spine plate 12 with the uppermost portion 17 arcuately configured to receive the hanger bar'B. This arcuately curved portion 17 prevents inadvertent removal from the hanger bar.

Also formed in the device is a hand hole 18, which facilitates lifting and carrying of a mat thus packaged. The hand hole is formed by coextensive, elongated slots 19 formed in the respective side portions 11 intermediate the notch 16 and the side of the device at which the spine plate 12 is formed and at a point which is above the uppermost edge of a mat secured in the packaging device. Preferably, the hand hole 18 is angularly disposed to the axes of the device to facilitate manipulation of a packaged unit when supported on a hanger bar as the unit may be readily gripped for limited pivotal movement to a better viewing position without necessity of complete removal from the hanger bar.

Greater rigity of the structure and capability in supporting the substantial weight of a typical floor mat is obtained by reinforcing tabs 20 integrally formed with each respective side portion 11. The configuration of these reinforcing tabs 20 may be best seen in FIG. 4, which shows the package device in its unfolded configuration as cut from a sheet of paper board. When thus unfolded, the reinforcing tab 20 is seen to have a notch 16a and a hand hole 130 complementary to the notch 16 and hand hole 18 when folded inwardly along the preferably scored fold lines 21, 22 to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The spine plate 12 is also relatively angularly disposed to the axes of the device and is defined by the pair of scored fold lines 23, 24 and the reinforcing tabs 20 are of a length to extend beneath the spine plate to bring an angled peripheral edge portion 25 thereof into contacting engagement with the inner surface of the spine plate when folded. When thus folded, the notch 16a is also capable of bearing against a hanger bar to provide additional bearing support.

Additional reinforcing tabs 26 are provided to further enhance the rigidity and strength of the structure. These tabs 26 are integrally formed with each respective side portion 11 along an edge thereof extending between the fold lines 21, 22 associated with the reinforcing tabs 20 and the spine plate 12. The relatively angular displacement of the spine plate to the side portions results in these side portions being relatively divergent thereby defining a V-shaped area in which the tabs 26 are formed and are foldable inwardly along the respective fold lines 27. Each tab 26 is formed with an arcuate edge portion 28 to be partially coextensive with the arcuately curved portion 17 of the notches 16. Thus, when the tabs 26 are folded inwardly, the arcuate edge portions 28 will bear against a hanger bar, thereby providing additional bearing support.

Assembly of a packaging device from the flat, unfolded configuration in FIG. 4 is illustrated step-wise in FIGS. 5 and 6, with the final configuration being that shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In FIGS. 5 and 6, only one side portion 11 is shown with its respective reinforcing tabs 20 and 26 being sequentially folded, and it is to be understood that the same operations will be applied to the other side portion.

Reinforcing tab 26 is first folded along its fold line 27, as shown in FIG. 5, the overlying relationship to the inner surface of the side portion 11. The arcuate edge portion 28 of this tab is partially coextensive with the curved portion 17 of the notch 16. Reinforcing tab 20 is then folded along its double fold lines 21, 22 as shown in FIG. 6, to overlie both the tab 26 and the inner surface of the side portion 11. In this folded position, the peripheral edge portion 25 extends parallel and adjacent to the fold line 23, or 24, at the juncture of the spine plate 11 with the respective side portion 11. Additionally, the hand hole 18a and notch 16a in the reinforcing tab will be aligned with the hand hole 18 and notch 16, respectively, in the side portion 11.

As a final forming step, both side portions 11 are folded toward each other about the respective fold lines 23 and 24 of the spine plate 12 to bring the two side portions into overlying relationship. In this configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the notches l6 and hand holes 18 are aligned as are the other peripheral edges. In this folded configuration, the peripheral edge 25 of reinforcing tab 20 will be in contacting engagement with the inner surface of the spine plate 12. The inwardly folded reinforcing tabs 20 and 26 are thus held in their folded positions and space the side portions 11 a distance apart with the combined thickness of the reinforcing tabs being substantially equal to the width of the spine plate 12 and to the thickness of mat M to be inserted between the side portions.

After the packaging device is folded, the mat M is inserted between the side portions 11 such that a marginal edge portion will be disposed within the packaging device. Staples S are then driven through the portions designed as wheels 13 and 14 to secure the mat to the packaging device. Fastening devices other than staples may be utilized as previously indicated. Also, while location of the fastening devices to symbolically represent a wheel axle is desirable from the standpoint of appearance, it is to be understood that fastening means or staples may be driven through the two side portions at other locations to adequately secure the mat or to enhance the strength of the packaging device.

A modified form of the merchandise packaging device 30 is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Having specific reference to FIG. 7, this device 30 is seen to comprise a pair of coextensive side portions 31 that are interconnected by a spine plate 32. Each of the side portions 31 is of a generally triangular configuration with the spine plate 32 formed along one edge of the triangle. A mat M is interposed between the side portions 31 with one edge of the mat aligned with the spine plate 32 in a manner such that a triangular corner of the mat is between the side portions. Suitable fastening means such as staples S', are driven through the overlapped side portions and mat to secure the mat in rigidly fixed relationship.

integrally formed with the main body of the device is a hanger hook 33 formed in a lateral extension 34 of each of the side portions 31. This hanger hook 33 comprises a circular aperture 35 that is larger than a hanger bar H with which it is to be utilized and having an opening only slightly larger than the diameter of the hanger bar to readily permit passage of the hanger bar into and out of the aperture.

A hand hole 36 is also formed in the lateral extensions of each of the side portions to facilitate handling and carrying of a mat packaged in this device. This hand hole 36 is disposed between the aperture 34 of the hook and spine plate 32.

The modified packaging device 30 is also advantageously formed from a sheet of suitable material such as paper board and a paper board blank for this device is shown in FIG. 8. Only a portion of the one side portion 31 is shown to permit use of a larger scale drawing. As can be best seen in FIG. 8, the lateral extension 34 includes a reinforcing tab 37 of complemental configuration. The reinforcing tab 37 includes an aperture 35a and a hand hole 36a formed so that when the tab is folded inwardly about the fold lines 38 at the point of its interconnection, the apertures 35, 35a and hand holes 36 and 360 will be aligned. The reinforcing tab 37 associated with the left side portion 31 in FIG. 8 is shown folded inwardly. The terminal end edge 39 of each tab 37 is formed to coincide with a respective fold line 40 at the side of the spine plate 32. Thus, after each reinforcing tab 37 is folded inwardly, forming of this packaging device is completed by folding the side portions 3! about the respective fold lines 40 placing the two side portions in superimposed relationship as shown in FIG. 7. When thus folded, the terminal ends 39 of the reinforcing tabs 37" are in abutting engagement with the inner surface of the spine plate 32. The aperture 35 and hand hole 35 are positioned relatively off-center and adjacent the spine plate 32 resulting in a mat being supported by this packaging device in a relatively diagonally oriented position. Thus, a part of the force is transmitted through the reinforcing tab with respect to the spine plate 32.

It will be readily apparent that a novel packaging device is provided for the advantageous transport and display of automobile floor mats. This packaging device permits the mats to be displayed on racks having suitable hanger bars, thus permitting prospective customers to easily view any particular mat. in addition, the hand hole formed in the device greatly facilitates carrying of a mat.

Having thus described this invention, what is claimed l. A merchandise packaging device comprising a sheet of material folded to form two superimposed portions for receiving a fiat configured article therebetween, said superimposed side portions interconnected along a fold line defining a rigid spine and having a notch formed in each of said side portions in coextensive relationship when said side portions are folded together, said notch having an enlarged area disposed a distance inwardly from a peripheral edge at which the notch opens and configured to define a hanger hook adapted to engage with a hanger rod and to permit passage of the hanger rod therethrough, said side portions each including a reinforcing tab interconnected with the respective side portion along a fold line extending 5 along the peripheral edge at which said notch opens.

2. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1, having a hand hole formed in eachof said side portions to be coextensive when the side portions are folded together.

3. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein said reinforcing tab fold line is disposed transversely to the fold line defining the rigid spine, each of said reinforcing tabs folded inwardly of said side portions and of a length to extend a distance along the rigid spine and having a peripheral edge por- 5 tion disposed in abutting engagement with the rigid spine.

4. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 3 wherein each of said reinforcing tabs is formed with a notch in coextensive relationship with the notch formed in the respective side portion to provide an additional bearing surface engageable with a hanger rod.

5. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 4 having a hand hole formed in each of said reinforcing tabs and each of said side portions in coextensive relationship.

6. A merchandise packaging device according to claim ll wherein said rigid spine interconnecting said side portions extends only partially across said side portions and is relatively angularly disposed thereto, each of said side portions having said reinforcing tab formed therewith and foldable inwardly of the respective side portion along a fold line angularly disposed to said rigid spine and relatively longitudinally disposed thereto.

7. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 6 wherein said reinforcing tab is formed with a peripheral edge portion coextensive with a portion of the notch formed in the respective side portion to provide an additional bearing surface engageable with a hanger rod.

8. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 7 wherein said side portions are each formed with another reinforcing tab interconnected therewith along a fold line disposed transversely to the fold line of said first mentioned reinforcing tab, each of said second mentioned reinforcing tabs folded inwardly of said side portions and of a length to extend a distance along the rigid spine and having a peripheral edge portion disposed in abutting engagement with the rigid spine.

9. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 8 wherein each of said second mentioned reinforcing tabs is formed with a notch in coextensive relationship with the notch formed in the respective side portion to provide an additional bearing surface engageable with a hanger rod.

10. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 9 having a hand hole formed in each of said second mentioned reinforcing tabs and each of said side portions in coextensive relationship.

11. A merchandise packaging device according to claim ll wherein said reinforcing tabs are interconnected with the respective side portion along a fold line disposed parallel to the fold line defining the rigid spine, each of said reinforcing tabs folded inwardly of said side portions and having a terminal edge portion disposed in abutting engagement with the rigid spine.

12. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein said reinforcing tab fold line is disposed transversely to the fold line defining said rigid spine. 

1. A merchandise packaging device comprising a sheet of material folded to form two superimposed portions for receiving a flat configured article therebetween, said superimposed side portions interconnected along a fold line defining a rigid spine and having a notch formed in each of said side portions in coextensive relationship when said side portions are folded together, said notch having an enlarged area disposed a distance inwardly from a peripheral edge at which the notch opens and configured to define a hanger hook adapted to engage with a hanger rod and to permit passage of the hanger rod therethrough, said side portions each including a reinforcing tab interconnected with the respective side portion along a fold line extending along the peripheral edge at which said notch opens.
 2. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1, having a hand hole formed in each of said side portions to be coextensive when the side portions are folded together.
 3. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein said reinforcing tab fold line is disposed transversely to the fold line defining the rigid spine, each of said reinforcing tabs folded inwardly of said side portions and of a length to extend a distance along the rigid spine and having a peripheral edge portion disposed in abutting engagement with the rigid spine.
 4. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 3 wherein each of said reinforcing tabs is formed with a notch in coextensive relationship with the notch formed in the respective side portion to provide an additional bearing surface engageable with a hanger rod.
 5. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 4 having a hand hole formed in each of said reinforcing tabs and each of said side portions in coextensive relationship.
 6. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein said rigid spine interconnecting said side portions extends only partially across said side portions and is relatively angularly disposed thereto, each of said side portions having said reinforcing tab formed therewith and foldable inwardly of the respective side portion along a fold line angularly disposed to said rigid spine and relatively longitudinally diSposed thereto.
 7. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 6 wherein said reinforcing tab is formed with a peripheral edge portion coextensive with a portion of the notch formed in the respective side portion to provide an additional bearing surface engageable with a hanger rod.
 8. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 7 wherein said side portions are each formed with another reinforcing tab interconnected therewith along a fold line disposed transversely to the fold line of said first mentioned reinforcing tab, each of said second mentioned reinforcing tabs folded inwardly of said side portions and of a length to extend a distance along the rigid spine and having a peripheral edge portion disposed in abutting engagement with the rigid spine.
 9. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 8 wherein each of said second mentioned reinforcing tabs is formed with a notch in coextensive relationship with the notch formed in the respective side portion to provide an additional bearing surface engageable with a hanger rod.
 10. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 9 having a hand hole formed in each of said second mentioned reinforcing tabs and each of said side portions in coextensive relationship.
 11. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein said reinforcing tabs are interconnected with the respective side portion along a fold line disposed parallel to the fold line defining the rigid spine, each of said reinforcing tabs folded inwardly of said side portions and having a terminal edge portion disposed in abutting engagement with the rigid spine.
 12. A merchandise packaging device according to claim 1 wherein said reinforcing tab fold line is disposed transversely to the fold line defining said rigid spine. 